Why Social Media Ads Deliver Better ROI Than TV Advertising
If your business is still allocating a portion of its marketing budget to television ads or thinking about doing so, it may be time to reconsider. The way people consume content has changed dramatically in the last decade, and marketing strategies need to evolve accordingly.
While television advertising was once the dominant form of mass marketing, social media advertising has taken the lead, offering better ROI, higher engagement, and more precise audience targeting—all at a fraction of the cost.
The Cost of TV Advertising vs. Social Media Advertising
One of the biggest challenges with TV advertising is the high cost of production and ad placement. Here’s a breakdown of what businesses typically spend on TV ads:
Local TV Ad Production: $1,000 – $8,000
Local TV Ad Placement: $5 – $10 per 1,000 impressions (CPM)
National TV Ad Production: $100,000 – $8 million
National TV Ad Placement: Around $350,000 for a 30-second spot
Social media advertising, on the other hand, allows businesses to reach their target audience for a fraction of these costs. With as little as a few dollars per day, brands can launch highly targeted campaigns and adjust their budget based on real-time performance.
Why TV Advertising is Losing Effectiveness
Television advertising has seen a steady decline in effectiveness due to changes in how people consume media.
Viewers Actively Avoid TV Ads
64% of viewers take steps to avoid TV commercials (Nielsen).
Many use streaming services that eliminate ads entirely or offer ad-free subscription models.
DVR and on-demand services allow users to fast-forward through commercials.
TV Ads Struggle to Hold Attention
Even when a commercial does air, many viewers mute the TV, change the channel, or focus on their phones during ad breaks. Studies show that:
Only 30% of younger audiences find TV ads effective (HubSpot).
A significant portion of consumers watch TV with a second screen in hand, meaning their attention is divided.
Why Social Media Advertising Delivers Better Results
People Spend More Time on Social Media
The average internet user spends more than 2.5 hours per day on social media, which is 30% more than they spend watching TV (Forbes).
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become dominant spaces for entertainment, shopping, and brand engagement.
Advanced Targeting Capabilities
Unlike TV ads, which cast a wide net, social media platforms offer precise targeting options based on:
Demographics (age, gender, location)
Interests and behaviors
Engagement history
Retargeting capabilities
This ensures that businesses are only paying to reach potential customers, rather than broadcasting a message to a general audience with no guarantee of relevance.
Better Tracking and Performance Analytics
One of the most significant advantages of social media advertising is the ability to track every aspect of campaign performance.
Real-time analytics provide insights into ad impressions, engagement, and conversions.
A/B testing allows marketers to optimize ads by testing different visuals, messaging, and audience segments.
Advertisers can adjust their budget and strategy instantly, something that is impossible with TV ads once they are aired.
Lower Costs, Higher ROI
For the price of a single national TV ad, businesses could run a highly targeted, data-driven social media campaign for months.
Facebook and Instagram ads can cost as little as $0.50 – $2 per click, depending on the industry.
Social media ads allow for flexible budgeting, making them accessible to small businesses and startups.
Brands see an average ROI of $5 for every $1 spent on social media ads (Hootsuite).
The Future of Advertising is Digital
The shift from traditional TV to digital advertising is undeniable. Consumers are spending more time on social media than ever before, engaging with brands, watching videos, and making purchasing decisions based on targeted ads.
For businesses looking to maximize their marketing budget, investing in social media ads is the smarter, more cost-effective choice. With lower costs, better targeting, and measurable results, social media advertising continues to outperform traditional TV ads in both reach and impact.
Ready to Get More from Your Marketing Budget?
If you’re still spending a significant portion of your marketing dollars on television ads, now is the time to shift your strategy. Social media advertising allows you to connect directly with your audience, generate leads, and drive real business results—without the high costs of traditional media.
Interested in running an effective social media ad campaign? Want a local company in Charlotte, NC that understands your brand and target audience? Contact us today to learn how we can help.